"Wisconsin-Happy Festival State", by Eve Phillips. My husband and I love to travel in the state of Wisconsin where we live and get great pictures on the way. My name is Laurie Kutil and photography has become a great passion of mine since 2010. One thing I have learned in researching each town before visiting it is that, "Every town has it's story". When I do uncover those stories by connecting with local residents, our experience becomes so much richer. In turn, sharing the stories with you brings me joy :)
Farm tours are available Tues-Fridays, 11 am & 3 pm, Saturdays, 11 am 1 pm, & 3 pm. You can book your venue here as well. Call 608-477-4023.
Summer is here and so is the lavender! It wasn’t blooming yet on June 8, so we came back July 3rd when it was! The New Life Lavender and Cherry Farm in Baraboo is a peaceful refuge from the Wisconsin Dells and a chance to enjoy creating memories with your family. When the plants mature, you are invited to buy one to bring home.
Inside the store, you can buy many products made with the lavender, including bakery items and ice cream. See offerings here. You can also buy essential oils, soap, lotion, and many other items, even fudge!
Next to the farm store is an outbuilding with a beautiful lavender barn quilt on the side. It was painted by artist Vicki Baumgarten. She also manages Narrows Creek Winery as well.
You can also take a tour behind a tractor to see all of the fields and get a running commentary as well. It lasts for one hour.
There are many great opportunities to take a portrait of you and your family here. There is a selfie station to put your phone on under the canopy.
This is an example of what this photo would look like.
You can also bring a tripod to take one in other spots. We also at among the lavender and got this great shot. This one is our favorite.
Plan your visit now to the New Life Lavender and Cherry Farm in Baraboo before summer is over!
You can’t miss it as you leave Madison, heading north on I-90. Take exit 131 and you are soon there. This prime location has given them so many customers, they had to expand over the last year to keep up.
In the 70’s, the store was mostly a liquor store with some cheese. Tony’s parents owned it from 1988-1998, increasing the amount of cheese over liquor. Tony took over ownership of the Mousehouse Cheesehaus in 1998 from his parents and added homemade fudge in 2009. I took this photo in 2010. The mouse on top of the roof is named Igor. Hours are 8 AM-7 PM daily so plenty of time to stop in.
In 2016, before the expansion, CEO Tony Sobczak and Vice President Heather Smythe explained all that they do on a local Wisconsin program called, “Talk of the Town”. She has been there for 20 years!
July 2018
The expansion was completed in 2017 and there is room now for much more cheese and fudge! Read more about the expansion here.
The inside is just as amazing, bring a cooler because you are going to need it. This is your one-stop shop for all things Wisconsin.
You can now watch Fudge and Cheese Curds being prepared through the new viewing windows. On the left is the fudge window, the right is the cheese room. Stop in around noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays to see these confections being made! Separate prep rooms for the cheese and fudge ensures the highest quality for you, the customer!
Inside the Fudge room. Inside are 2 steam-jacketed kettles with stirrers to make the fudge creamy and smooth while cooking. It takes about 40 minutes for the fudge to be ready to pour and flavor. Read more on the fudge here.
In the Cheese room, you can watch cheese curds mixed with herbs and spices to give you many flavor choices.
You can watch both cheese and fudge being prepared on Tuesdays and Thursdays at around 12:00 PM. The new viewing windows to the cheese and fudge kitchen are a hit with the kids too! These new kitchens ensure that your cheese and fudge are prepared with the utmost care and in a very clean environment. You can see how clean everything is!
Enjoy a tour of the store with me in the video below. You can taste all the cheese before you buy too. You can get pre-assembled gift boxes or choose your own selections for a custom box. Watch Megan make many varieties of delicious fudge right from the viewing window! Also, see April mix many flavors of delicious cheese curds made that very morning! I’m getting hungry just watching.
You can also get sandwiches here, no need to go somewhere else for lunch or supper. Igor’s Big Belly Deli can make prepare sandwiches to order to go or eat there in their dining room. Get 8-inch subs too, pre-made and ready to eat. Menu here.
We hope you enjoyed touring the Mousehouse Cheesehaus. Tony, Heather, and crew are happy to serve you and bring you the best cheese and fudge in Wisconsin! Contact them here or come for a visit!
Mackinac Island is located in the Straits of Mackinac, between Lakes Michigan and Huron. The size is small, only 3.8 square miles. Don’t let the size fool you, it played an important part in the War of 1812 and Americans lost their lives defending it. In present times it is a great vacation spot that remembers its past. The name in Ojibwe means “Big Turtle”. About 500 residents live here year-round, almost everyone you see during the busy summer season is a visitor from somewhere else. Many workers here at the many businesses are also just there for the summer.
It was not my first time here, it was Al’s though. My family took a trip here with my grandparents in 1971. Since we could not all go, I recreated the picture later. It was great to be back 45 years later!
Two things Mackinac are best known for are fudge and it’s abundant lilacs. Island visitors are in fact nicknamed “fudgies” by the locals. The island has a 10 day Lilac Festival every June to celebrate the abundant flower. We were lucky to see some left even in late June.
No motor vehicles are allowed here(except a few emergency). Horse-drawn wagons, bicycle and walking are how you get around here. Be prepared for many hills, some steep. The flattest route is around the perimeter of the island. If you have your own bicycle, bring it. It will save you money if it will be your prime mode of transportation. No worries if you don’t have a bike, there is a great selection at Mackinac Cycle across from the Arnold ferry dock.
If your time on the island is short or you just want to take it slow, take the Mackinac Island Carriage Tour. It takes almost 2 hours, and is narrated. The kiosk is across the street from here. Here is the route. The stops are short, you get about 7 minutes at Arch Rock so have your camera ready!
You can even ride a Taxi, but you have to arrange the ride in advance here through the dispatch. You can’t “hail” a taxi like you can on the mainland. Cash only.
Here I am in Marquette Park, then and now. It was fun! Never thought I would get this chance to re-create this silly picture.
Let’s explore Marquette Park, as long as we are here. Pick up island info at the visitors center across the street.
In the park there is a statue of Father Jacques Marquette. On it are 3 plaques. The statue was erected in 1909. Before this was a park, it was a large vegetable garden. See about most historical island features here.
Behind and above the park is Fort Mackinac, we hope to visit it next time.
A beautiful day to soak up the sun amidst the lilacs!
Be a part of the action! Take a cruise on Sail Mackinac! If you have sailing knowledge, they encourage you to assist the crew if you desire to.
Also in the park is a Missionary Bark Chapel replica, an early small church on the island. You can go inside and see this diorama.
From here you can see the McGulpin House, one the oldest house on the island, built around 1780. The house is on the corner of Market and Fort Street.
On the left of this view is a Statue of Liberty replica. It was recently restored.
The harbor looks especially beautiful at night, view is from Arnold ferry boat dock.
Above Marquette Park is the East Bluff, with a great view of the harbor below. We went up there early Wednesday morning. The early ferries were bring supplies to the island before the first passengers.
You could also find a couple historical markers up here on the other end of the road by the bluff. The first one is for Lewis Cass who distinguished himself with great service to this country. He also was Governor of Michigan Territory. Cassville, Wisconsin was named after him.
Also up here is Anne’s Tablet, a local author who loved the island. The view is wonderful, especially in the morning when the island is waking up.
And this is the former Indian Dormitory building, now the Mackinac Art Museum.
Beautiful Main Street, where many hotels and great shopping (and fudge) can be found.
Speaking of fudge, let’s stop by May’s Candy Shop and see how the experts make it. They were the only shop open during the sugar-rationing days of WWII that made fudge. They made only one batch a day and sold only one pound per customer. They even have a trademarked quote, “Famous Mackinac Fudge”® Let’s watch them make a half-batch of peanut butter fudge!
There are MANY places to stay overnight on Mackinac Island, not just the Grand Hotel (staying there would be lots of fun too! 🙂
Many people say they can’t afford to spend the night on Mackinac Island, but that may be they are not keeping alert for price specials that happen often. The hotel Facebook pages are often where specials are posted. We chose to spend our night at the Murray Hotel, right across from the Arnold Ferry docks on Main Street. Their service is impeccable and hotel beautiful and in the heart of downtown. We were in room 318, a quiet interior room we would choose again. Check-in is officially at 3, but this room was available at 1:15 when we arrived! A porter was at our door with our luggage when we got there. We highly recommend the Murray! We also enjoyed their pizza buffet for dinner.
Next to the Arnold dock is the Chippewa Hotel and Pink Pony Bar and Grill. It’s lights reflected on the water were real pretty that night.
Their sister hotel is the Lilac Tree Suites and Spa. A beautiful hotel by day, the purple lights outside really set it off at night.
On the ground floor is the Little Luxuries gift shop. I found the perfect souvenier, this cute necklace created at Loveonthespot.com it captured my love for Mackinac Island so perfectly!
The island has many interesting rock formations, we saw the best known ones. Arch Rock is a favorite! You can see another lookout above right see the lake.
On the same side of the island is Dwightwood Springs. Don’t drink the water.
Sugar Loaf Rock has a commanding presence above the landscape.
Devil’s Kitchen is off the perimeter road on the island (I-85).
Over 80% of Mackinac Island is a State Park , boundaries are clearly marked by signs. Neighboring Round Island Lighthouse lights the way for freighters and other boats to pass safely in the Straits.
Once day a year, tours are given of the light house. A great view of the lighthouse is at Windmere Point, owned by the Windmere Hotel.
The red object on the waterfront is a retired buoy from the Race to Mackinac from Chicago. This year is the 108th year of the race, beginning on July 23. See details here about the race, sponsored by the Chicago Yacht Club. It is the longest freshwater sailboat race in the country.
We went to the waterfront at sunset to see the lighthouse, and a rainbow!
And the whole scene, with Round Island in the middle of both light stations.
The Mackinac Bridge gleamed like gold, what a beautiful evening that was.
To learn more about the history on Mackinac Island, the Public Library is a great place to visit.
We did some more important historic sites on the island. On Codette Ave. on the way to the Grand Hotel is the beautiful Little Stone Church.
British Landing is where the British came ashore in 1812 to take possession of the island. A cannon is there facing the water and a historical marker. At this juncture is also a sign telling how far other landmarks are.
You can grab a bite to eat at the Cannonball while you are here.
From here we took a right to see the Battlefield, airport and cemeteries.
A historic golf course is up the road from here.
We also went by the cemeteries, airport and aforementioned Sugar Loaf Rock on this route.
All this exploring works up an appetite! We enjoyed dinner at our hotel that first night. The next morning we had breakfast at the Pancake House, delicious pancakes and all the trimmings too!
Lunch was at the Grand Hotel, quite an amazing meal with a great view!
With only about 27 hours available, we couldn’t see everything, but we did our best! We hope to come back in 2017 to get to what we missed and see even more. Thanks for helping us make some great memories! our parting shot was people talking and laughing at the Pink Pony. It was time to board the Ottawa back to Mackinaw City at 5:00 to explore on Thursday. It was difficult to leave, we plan to come back.
For a funny and informative video of Mackinac Island, enjoy this episode of Matt’s Rad Show on YouTube. It helped me in my research and made me laugh too.
The Wisconsin Dells was founded as Kilbourn City in 1857. The name was changed in 1931. The Dells has been a vacation destination for over 150 years and you can see pictures and postcards of the early years here. The site of one of the early theme parks called Fort Dells is marked by a sign, a Walgreens is there now.
What you will see when you drive into the Dells along the Parkway and Broadway.
The population of the Dells is 2,678. Even though it is known as “The Waterpark Capital of the World”™ now, it is so much more. My own Dells experiences goes back to my childhood in the 1970’s and 80’s. Al’s family went to Jellystone Park, still going strong. History is still an important part of the Dells and is the foundation for their continued relevance in the present and future.
We are going to explore 7 blocks on what is called “The Strip”, or Broadway Rd. We start at the top of Broadway on the 100 block, just after we pass under the Amtrak (Empire Builder route) and Canadian Pacific train overpass. The CP train carries freight, but during the Christmas holidays they host a Holiday Train. On the left side attached to the concrete bridge support is this plaque. We had to carefully walk under the bridge when the road was clear of traffic to get a picture of it.
We took a look at the charming depot. It was built in 1989 after the original was damaged beyond repair in 1982. It resembles many historic depots we have seen in other towns.
Close to here, also a right turn off Broadway are two other historical markers and a very tall flagpole, the long driveway leading to them identified by a brown “historical marker” sign. The first one is a history of the Wisconsin Dells. The other marker is on a large red rock in front of the flagpole, honoring Stanton Peter Helland.
Broadway – 100 Block
This is the view of the 100 block from halfway up the hill near the railroad track. Each block has many great businesses to appeal to both visitors. and residents alike. Downtown Dells has a website of its own since there is so much to do. Since we tend to be frugal travelers, the free parking downtown from October 15-May 15 appealed to us too. The drawback of winter, not all of the businesses/attractions are open.
The first place on our right is the popular Showboat Saloon, styled to look like a river showboat. More than that, it is said that a ghost named Molly lives in this over 100-year old building in the upstairs apartment. The building owner no longer rents it out due to the ghostly disturbances.
The Bennett studio is the actual one he worked out of, and we saw two historical plaques on the courtyard gate.
Rounding out the block on this side is Cheese Cake Heaven®, open seasonally.
From this side we look across the street to a wide variety of businesses, both old and new. At the right end is T-Shirt Factory. Right next to it is the new Dells Distillery (2013), then MACS-Macaroni and Cheese Shop for great meal choices. We had lunch at the Distillery on 6-14-15. Great food here.
In the tan building next to Monk’s is Xpressit. Then the popular Winnebago Gift Shop, where you can get moccasins and other apparel made by Winnebago (Ho-Chunk) Indians. They have served the Dells since 1949 in a historic 1860 building.
Finishing up this block is the Dells Fudge Company, Animaland for toys and games. Last is the High Rock Cafe. This block is the most dense for businesses on this historic street.
We are now at the halfway point of exploring this fascinating street in downtown Dells. But wait, there’s more! After crossing Elm St., continuing on the left side is the Goody Goody Gumdrop store. next is Unique, a t-shirt store.
At this point we are heading out of the heaviest shopping and attractions part of the street. There are still some places yet to see though. On the last long shopping strip on the left side are several shops.
